Songflight Book Review and Book Tour
I’m so excited to be a part of Michelle M. Bruhn’s blog tour for her debut novel, Songflight! It’s an incredible epic, dragon-filled, clean YA fantasy! Keep scrolling to read my review, pre-order Songflight, and follow the rest of the blog tour for character interviews, author interviews, and more!
Personal Review:
Okay, I have a lot of feelings about this book (and for good reason) so bear with me for this rather lengthy review! Alísa’s voice drew me in, and I can’t get over how much I love her character. She’s sensitive and vulnerable, but she’s also willing to make hard decisions and face the consequences.
This is not your ordinary YA female protagonist! Yes, she’s embroiled in a war she never wanted to be a part of, but she’s not going to defeat her enemies with her kick-butt fighting skills, love triangles, and angst (although, I’d be cool with any romances or montages that are included in the next book! 😉 ). No, she seeks wisdom and yearns to do what is right. Alísa grieves the lives lost in the war and fights for peace. One more sentence gushing about Alísa as a character and then I’ll move on! Not only is she willing to take counsel, she humbly admits when she slips up and asks for forgiveness. When her passion gets the best of her, she doesn’t brush it off but apologizes to those she harmed.
Alísa’s parents are such a vital part of her life, and their relationship is beautiful. Also, the dragons’ relationships with their mothers is so heartwarming. And baby dragons?! Can it get any better than that? Truly, if you’re a fan of dragons in fantasy, this is a book you don’t want to miss!
Graydonn is perhaps one of my favorite literary dragons (Can you ever have too many?), and Koriana is such a wonderful literary mother. Be sure to check out the rest of the blog tour stops
There are so many powerful quotes throughout Songflight, and I can’t wait to reread them. Apart from that, the storyline is captivating and filled with beautiful folklore and songs. Reminiscent of Tolkien’s legends, learning about this world is one of the aspects of this series I’m looking forward to delving into as it continues.
If I had to describe this book in only one word it would be joyful. Yes, this is a fantasy about dragons and humans and war and other sorts of crazy things. But somehow, the writing and imagery is stunning and evokes a sense of joy. I couldn’t wait to return to this world every time I set the book down!
Content Review:
Language:
– A couple uses of d–n
Sexual:
– A man asks his daughter if anyone flirted with her inappropriately
Violence:
– Some battle scenes and descriptions of wounds, but nothing too graphic
Spiritual:
– The Maker represents God, and the Nameless represents Satan.
– Tents are etched with “designs of protection from the Nameless and his servants.”
– Eldra Brannis is a patron saint of sorts for the slayers. The Eldir seem to be similar to saints as well, and the religion seems inspired by Catholocism and perhaps the minor gods of The Silmarillion. Alisa questions whether she can speak to the Maker without going through Eldra Brannis, and I think that will be a theme in the upcoming books.
Other:
– There’s a brief reference to suicide.
– Older characters drink.
Themes:
Oh, so many!
Forgiveness, humility, respect, love, family, friendship, grief, joy, strength, endurance, faith
Pre-order Links:
There’s only one day left until this amazing book releases (August 21, 2020), so if you’re interested in pre-ordering it, do so soon! Here’s the link to fill out the form to get some fun pre-order goodies:
https://forms.gle/fyPRFSYUp7nqmgLe7
Social Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellembruhn/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMBruhn/
Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/readersandsongweavers
Free Short Story: https://mailchi.mp/4ae220da6c4a/songflight-short
Website: https://www.michellembruhn.com
Blurb:
As the only child of a dragon slayer chief, Alísa’s purpose should have been simple: lead the clan
in ridding humankind of the dragon scourge. But while gaining respect from hardened warriors
is difficult enough with a vocal stammer, when they learn her empathic powers connect
uncontrollably to the dragon enemy, it becomes impossible.
Confidence shattered, Alísa resigns herself to silent service under her father’s apprentice. But
when her growing connection reveals one dragon’s capacity for good, she realizes the war isn’t
as black and white as the slayers teach. Now Alísa faces an impossible choice: stay with her
family in comfortable but condemning silence, or follow the dragon claiming to know her true
purpose. But if she can’t lead slayers, how on A’dem is she supposed to lead dragons?
About the Author:
Michelle M. Bruhn is a YA fantasy author whose stories focus on outcasts, hard questions, and
hope. She is passionate about seeing through others’ eyes and helping others to do the same,
especially through characters with diverse life experiences. She finds joy in understanding
others, knows far too much about personality theories, and binge-watches TED Talks on a
regular basis. She spends the rest of her free time making and listening to music, walking,
reading, and snuggling with her cats.
Blog Tour:
August 15:
M.H. Elrich – Author Interview
https://mhelrich.com/category/elrichs-expressions/
August 16:
Rachel A. Greco – Author Interview
https://www.rachelagreco.com/blog/
Laura a. Grace – Character Interview (Alísa)
https://unicornquester.com/blog/
August 17:
H.S.J. Williams – Author Interview
https://www.hsjwilliams.com/blog
August 18:
Deborah O’Carroll – Review or Spotlight
https://thepagedreamer.wordpress.com/
August 19 (20 AU):
Jane Maree – Character Interview (Graydonn)
August 20:
Olivia Neale – Review (That’s me!)
August 21 (RELEASE DAY!):
Claire M. Banschbach – Author Interview
